THE LAST APPRENTICE

...Hereafter, when other lovers enjoy the beauty of a moonlight night, or savor the distant cry of a wolf, Maia and I must greet these pleasures with suspicion. Such is the nature of the gods...

Odius and Maia rode most of the night through the dark foothills of Mount Atlas. The horse and riders were weary when the first hint of dawn appeared in the early morning sky. Maia clung to Odius with her eyes closed and legs just flopping against the side of the horse. Odius hung his head and did his best to fight sleep. The stallion was also spent and had nearly stumbled several times because of carelessly placed hoofsteps.
Odius had not slept since Poseidon released him from Mount Atlas. His eyelids slowly drooped as his head bobbed lower and lower with each step of the horse. Every so often he would open his eyes a crack, lift his head slightly, and wonder if he had actually fallen asleep or was just on the verge of sleeping.
Suddenly, the horse heaved hard to one side as several rocks fouled its footing. The awkward motion caused Maia to slide from the mount. Odius popped his head up as he realized that Maia was falling. The thought of Maia hitting the rocky ground brought a surge of panic. He was still struggling to open his eyes when he dropped the reins and turned to reach for Maia. He leaned as far as he dare and made a mad grab for the woman he loved but his fist closed around nothing but air. Maia fell from the horse.
Confusion set in as Odius' sight began to clear. His clenched fist was empty, yet he could feel Maia's weight in his hand. He struggled to focus his eyes. He could see that Maia had fallen from the horse, but her body had not yet hit the ground. His closed hand was at least a foot shy of Maia's shoulder, yet he seemed to have some kind of hold on her. As he became fully alert he realized that the Skull of Poseidon had intervened.
Odius strained to lift Maia back on the horse. Maia's body followed his clenched fist though he was not actually touching her. Odius managed to pull her up far enough to physically grab her shoulder with his other hand.
"Whoa!" he shouted.
The horse took one or two more steps then slowed to a halt. Like its riders, the horse was weary and more than willing to stop.
"Maia!"
Maia had just begun to wake up as Odius carefully lowered her to the ground. She was stirring but still not attentive.
"Maia, stand up!"
Maia's feet finally found the ground but her legs were still wobbly.
"Are we there?" she asked.
"We're somewhere."
"Huh?"
Odius held onto her until he was sure that she could support her own weight. He released her when she was fully awake and stood without swaying. Once Maia stood on her own, Odius started to climb off the horse.
"We should stop and rest."
"Where are we?" Maia asked.
"Perhaps you could tell me."
Maia rubbed her eyes for a moment then took a long look across the landscape through squinted, bloodshot eyes. She turned her head in several different directions to view the distant landscape but nothing looked familiar. Somehow, everything seemed different in the early morning light. After several confusing glances a sudden look of revelation came over her.
"Oh, I know this place!"
"How..." Odius yawned, "How far is the village?"
"The half part of a day." Maia slowly stretched as she let out a subtle groan. "There's a stream not far from here, about four or five stadia." She pointed to the southeast.
"Yes. I can hear it."
"Shall we rest by the water?" she asked.
Odius nodded then bent down to gather the reins, which dangled from the horse's bit and trailed across the ground. The horse hung its head and was reluctant to move. It had been worked for quite some time without rest. Odius reached under the horse's chin to lift its head, then he gently patted the animal on its nose.
"I had doubt about this animal when I left Atlanta, but it has certainly proven its worth."
"He's a fine beasty alright."
Odius led the horse as he and Maia started for the brook. It was not a very long walk it just seemed that way to the weary. They hardly spoke a word as they staggered across rocky ground to a nearby meadow. Shortly thereafter they found themselves by a bank at the water's edge. The bank was steep along most of the brook except for a short stretch where the bank curved away from the water and sheltered a grassy depression near the water's edge. An old cedar tree and several bushes bordered the grassy area, making it an inviting place for weary travelers to relax.
Maia pointed to the cozy, secluded area near the water, "This spot?"
Odius nodded.
"Should we spread out a blanket?" Maia asked.
Odius thought for a moment then shook his head, "No. The forest is Pan's domain he could be lurking anywhere. We must be cautious and alert. We must be ready to flee should the gods of Olympus come to seek vengeance."
Maia walked with Odius as he led the horse down the bank to the secluded, grassy place Maia had pointed out. As soon as Odius released the horse, it wandered to the water's edge where the sweet, tender grasses were too tasty to resist.
Odius took a deep breath of fresh air then gestured to a comfortable place in the shelter of the bank. "Sit. I shall fill the flask while the opportunity is at hand. We might miss our chance should we have to leave in haste."
Maia sat down against the grassy bank as Odius wandered toward the horse which had already begun to drink at the water's edge. She felt safe and secure in that secluded patch of wilderness, as if she could actually let her guard down and relax. She did not feel vulnerable because Odius was close at hand. She knew if any danger reared its ugly head Odius would be quick to defend her as he did with Pan.
As Maia stretched out to relax, she found herself thinking about the previous night's conflict between Odius and Pan. She wondered how a mortal man could possibly walk away from such a conflict unscathed. She recalled that Pan referred to him as a wizard. She began to wonder what, exactly, Odius was; a man, or a wizard. Can a man be a wizard, or is a wizard all together different than a man? These questions haunted her as she watched Odius take the flask from his pack and carry it to the water's edge.
Do I love a man, she thought, or do I love a wizard? Why is Odius a wizard? What do wizards do?
A look of confusion came across her face. She decided that perhaps the time had come to ask some basic questions. A brief moment later, she began to reconsider. Perhaps it would be a mistake to learn his secrets. Perhaps this love they shared might change if she discovered something she wished she had not.
Maia wrestled with the idea. She wanted to learn more about wizards, but she did not want to upset these precious feelings between her and Odius. After giving the subject much thought, she decided that since Odius could accept her after she had been tainted by her nemesis then she could certainly accept whatever dark secrets Odius might hold. She began to wonder just how dark a wizard's secrets might be. Then she thought perhaps she might be painting a far gloomier picture than necessary. Perhaps the truth would be very easy to accept.
Maia was distracted from her thoughts when a black owl flew overhead and lit high in the cedar next to her grassy sanctuary. Black owls were unique to Atlantis and extremely rare. They were so rare that many actually disputed their existence. Maia herself had only seen three or four of these owls during many long years of solitude in the forest.
Black owls were large birds, about a foot tall from talons to beak, and completely black except for white tips at the end of the tail feathers. Maia thought it was rather odd to see a black owl so late in the morning because they generally roosted long before the first hint of daylight.
The owl began to make its way down the trunk of the tree by descending a branch at a time. Maia also thought this behavior was somewhat odd. It almost seemed as if the owl was trying to conceal itself. The owl had descended three-quarters of the tree by the time Odius finished his chore.
Maia turned her attention to Odius as he sat down next to her.
"Shall we sleep, love?" he asked.
Maia nodded with a big smile, "We must sleep before we forget how it's done!" Both Odius and Maia chuckled at her joke.
Maia took off her sword then set on the ground alongside her. She had never slept with a man before and was not quite sure what, if anything, was expected of her. She just sat there with her hands in her lap and wore an unsure smile as she looked to Odius.
Odius returned a gentle smile then leaned over to give her a kiss. They shared a short embrace, then Maia looked down to the ground in a shy, unsure manner.
"I never slept with a man before." She brought her eyes up to his, "How um..." She looked back down to the ground.
"It is no different than sleeping alone. How do you like to sleep?"
Maia looked up at him with an unsure smile. She nodded playfully as she spoke, "I like to sleep on my side."
"As I. Here," Odius gestured across the ground, "make yourself comfortable, then, if you like, I shall curl up to you."
Maia nodded with big smile. She stretched out on her side with her back to Odius then wormed and wiggled until she got comfortable. Odius did not take off the bag that sheltered the Skull of Poseidon. He just shifted the bulk of the bag to his back then stretched out on his side behind Maia. He put his arm around her then cuddled her closely. By that time the owl had made its way to the bottom branch of the neighboring cedar tree. It stood perfectly still as it waited on its perch.
Odius had closed his eyes and was more than ready for several hours of sleep. Maia laid there with her eyes wide open. She liked the security and warmth Odius provided as well as the gentle tingle that his touch seemed to bring. She cherished his loving embrace and would have been content to fall asleep if it were not for the confusing questions that haunted her mind.
Once again Maia found herself wondering about this man she loved so deeply. Was he a man who happened to be a wizard, or was a wizard something completely different than a man? She began to wonder about the bag he carried over his shoulder. He did not have it before he went to Mount Atlas. He never takes it off even when sleeping. She remembered how frightened she was when Odius put her hand in that bag during the contest with Pan. Something very strange was in that bag she was sure of it.
Maia tried to ignore the subject and get some sleep. She decided to just enjoy the fact that she was in the comforting embrace of the man she loved, and that there would be many more such nights ahead. The thought brought a smile to her face as she closed her eyes in an attempt to get some sleep. The owl advanced out toward the end of the branch by a foot or so to get a little closer to the weary couple.
Maia opened her eyes.
"Odius?"
"Yes, love?"
"What is a wizard?"
The owl stopped its advance.
Odius thought about her question for a moment as Maia waited nervously. Odius opened his eyes then slowly sat up.
"Did I ask the wrong question, Odius?" she asked timidly.
"No, Maia. My master taught me that only unasked questions are wrong. Here, sit. We should speak of these things at length. There is much you should know if we are to share life together."
Maia sat up then adjusted her posture to get comfortable. She placed her hands in her lap then looked to Odius as she waited for him to speak. The owl crept down the branch another foot or so to get a better vantage point.
"Foremost, please do not think of me as a wizard. Those words were spoken by Pan, not I. I am simply the apprentice to the Great Marce of Atlantis, nothing more. In truth, I am but a mortal man with a unique burden."
"But, you did contest with a god and won! By what means did you do this, Odius?"
"I won nothing, Maia."
Maia's reply was firm and with confidence, "You did! You won my deliverance from the unspeakable. For that I will always be grateful." She shook her head. "How can you say you won nothing?"
Odius reached into her lap and gently took her hands in his. He took a deep breath then looked straight into her eyes as he spoke in a very grave tone. "The contest has yet to conclude, Maia. We have not seen the last of Pan be assured of that."
Odius glanced across the wilderness, "He waits out there somewhere. He bides his time."
Odius returned his attention to Maia, "He said he would learn the secret of my power before the night has passed. Should he learn of my secret, he will plot and plan his vengeance and again he will bide his time. When the advantage is his, he will be back. Should I lose that bout, you might find yourself at his mercy once again. I fear that above all else, Maia.
"I will tell you my secret that you will know what stands between us and Pan. Guard this secret with your life for it is the only advantage we hold."
The owl tilted its head.
Odius reached behind himself and clutched the cloth bag. Maia's eyes followed the bag as Odius slowly brought it in front of him. Maia stared at the bag with awe as Odius spoke.
"Six summers past, I was accepted for the honor of apprentice to the Great Marce. The Great Marce chose me out of seven score who sought the same privilege. The Great Marce was my master, and I his pupil.
"My master taught me many things, which I did learn in earnest. He taught me his great knowledge of the mystic arts. He taught me of the gods, and of foreign and ancient tongues, and politics of kings and noblemen. Above all, he taught me wisdom; for the responsibilities and burden of Great Marce require wisdom."
Odius hung his head, "Alas, though I have the skills and wisdom of a Great Marce, the title shall never be mine."
After a long and awkward pause, Maia gently asked, "Why, Odius? What has cheated you of your rightful place?"
Odius looked up at her then continued, "Times have become most foul. There is no longer a crystal in the temple at Atlanta, and there will never be another Great Marce."
Maia looked confused. Odius elaborated.
"A crystal once rested in a temple at Atlanta. The crystal was the source of power for many generations of mystics. Each mystic held the title of Great Marce, and each Great Marce was charged with the responsibility and burden of the crystal. I was to become the next Great Marce until troubled times befell Atlantis.
"Scarcely a moon past, my master, the Great Marce, in all his wisdom did willfully destroy the crystal. In so doing he banished himself from the mortal world and deprived corrupt rulers of the crystal. It was a sacrifice he made for the whole of the world."
Odius reached into bag. Maia nervously squirmed for a moment in anticipation. The owl took one more step closer to the end of the branch.
"When I was atop Mount Atlas, I came into possession of another crystal. It is unlike any other."
Odius slowly pulled the Skull of Poseidon out of the bag. Maia's eyes widened with awe as she gazed at the remarkable crystal.
The owl blinked twice.
"It's " Maia's voice was distraught, "It's the embodiment of all evil!"
"It makes you uncomfortable, Maia?"
Maia gazed at the skull for a while before she spoke.
"It has a sinister grin."
"Do not judge it too hastily, Maia. It belonged to the great god, Poseidon. Gods do not see the world as we do."
Maia still seemed uneasy.
"Maia, this was the instrument of your deliverance."
"Then... Then it is good? Right?"
"It is neither good nor evil, it is simply power. Good and evil lie in the hands of the mystic. The crystal makes no decisions, it only complies with the mystic's requests."
"This belonged to Poseidon?"
Odius nodded, "It is called the Skull of Poseidon. Poseidon never said whether it was mine to keep forever, or if he expects its return. I assume he will come looking for it someday."
"This is what makes you a wizard?"
"This and the skills my master taught me. The skull would be of little use to most mortals."
"I " Maia began to look at the skull with a more relaxed expression. "I don't think it frightens me as long as it's in your hands. I trust you, Odius."
Odius smiled as he returned the crystal skull to its bag, "Your words please me, Maia. You need not fear the crystal but you must respect it all the same. Remember, it belongs to a god."
"Why did Poseidon give you his crystal?"
The owl turned an ear toward Odius.
"I am to use this crystal to hunt down a god." Odius sadly shook his head, "Soon, all of Olympus will be looking for us."
Odius let out a heavy sigh. "I have done you a great injustice, Maia. I never sought to bring you harm." A look of great despair came over him as he hung his head.
"I did not mean to entangle you in these matters."
"What matters are you speaking of, Odius?"
"The whole of the mortal world is at risk of collapse. Men plot against men and gods plot against gods."
"But, Odius, is that not the way it has always been?"
Odius nodded, "It has. But now comes a time when men plot against gods and gods plot against men. You and I find ourselves at the pinnacle of these events. Though this bank and stream are peaceful in the foredawn light, we sit amidst the greatest turmoil the mortal world or Olympus has ever known."
Odius let out another heavy sigh. "If that alone is not enough, I am wanted by King Authemur of Atlas. His men are hunting for me as we speak. Soon, so shall the gods. You too must face these dangers if you stand at my side, yet, if you leave you will be at the mercy of Pan."
Maia placed her hand on his shoulder. She opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. After a long pause, she leaned toward Odius and spoke gently.
"My life has suddenly become worth something to me. This is a gift you have given. Only the greatest of wizards could have freed me from..." she paused for a moment. "In my eyes you are the greatest man the world will ever know. You have made me feel like a woman not like a plaything. Do do you know what this means to me?"
There was a silent and awkward pause. Odius could not possibly answer her question. Maia soon realized this, then continued in a soft, gentle tone.
"Oh, Odius. What ever the price for finally having my body as mine I would gladly pay. Do you not see? I would rather die at your side as a woman, than to live as a a..." She swallowed hard, then took a deep breath. "I owe you much, Odius more than I could ever repay."
Maia was silent for a moment as she thought. Suddenly, the tone of her voice changed to something more determined, more defiant. "As I shall!"
"You need not, Maia" "I shall! If the price is such that we must mend these conflicts you speak of then so be it. I will fight your cause that someday we can walk hand in hand among a mortal world fit for men and women and children. If you must defy the gods then so shall I."
Odius made a nervous glance toward the heavens and gestured to Maia to keep her voice down.
Maia's voice grew louder as she made a sharp gesture toward the heavens, "Let the gods bellow and roar 'till all Olympus shakes! The gods have scorned me and I seek justice!! I will fight your cause to the end, Odius! If I must die in the struggle then I must! THIS IS OUR MORTAL WORLD!!!"
Both Maia and Odius were startled when the owl took wing and lofted itself into the early morning sky. It was the very crack of dawn as the first sliver of sun appeared over the eastern horizon. Odius and Maia watched the owl for some time before they returned to their discussion.
Odius spoke of how his master foretold of conflicts among the gods and among men which would eventually lead to a conflict between the mortal world and Olympus. He explained that it would be a conflict no mortal could survive. He told Maia that he thought the conflict might be averted if the traitorous god were revealed.
He tried to tell Maia as much as possible and gave no optimistic view for their chance of success. He showed Maia the orders he found in the cave of dragons along with Prince Halimor's imperial bracelet. He also showed her the Master's shard. Odius told her how his master destroyed the crystal and became locked in the shard. Maia listened intently as Odius started to disclose each and every little detail about the circumstances surrounding their quest.

The black owl had flown over several miles of lofty foothills before it finally perched in the lower branches of an old oak tree. The bird worked its way along the branch until it found a suitable place from which it could jump to the forest floor below. The owl's talons left the tree but cloven hooves hit the ground as Pan changed back to his traditional form.
The angry god stood motionless as an eerie stillness seemed to settle around him. His lifeless eyes stared toward nothing as he stewed over the words of the mortals.
He shouted angrily, "Defy the gods will they!!?"
Pan kicked up mulch from the forest floor rather abruptly then returned to his motionless stance. After a brief moment he turned his head toward the general direction of Odius and Maia, though they were miles away.
"I will bide my time indeed!"
Pan slowly looked across his domain of the forest as his anger festered.
"The wizard has the skull of Poseidon!!! HOW DARE HE!!?"
Pan lowered his head in anger as he charged the nearby oak. His hammering hoofbeats echoed through the forest, followed by a loud 'crack' as his head split the mighty oak from ground to canopy.
He shook an angry fist at the heavens and shouted, "Mark me Poseidon ZEUS WILL HEAR OF THIS!!!"

The weather over the entire continent of Atlantis began to slowly deteriorate over the ten days that followed. Without a Great Marce to control the climate, weather had finally begun to pursue a more natural course. It was a side of Atlantis no one had ever seen before. For many it symbolized the end of the world. They did not realize just how close their assessment came to the truth.
Martimus looked up at the dingy gray skies over the city of Atlanta. The strange sight was not the least bit consistent with a reputation Atlanta had persistently forged over many centuries. The weather was just one of many subjects that bothered Martimus as he waited for King Authemur in the palace courtyard.
Martimus had been waiting for several long hours. He raced from Gades to Atlanta in what surely must have been record time. Once he arrived, he was told to wait in the courtyard. The news he carried was too urgent to be postponed and Martimus had begun to get irritated with the whole affair. He wore a scowl as he looked across the courtyard.
The palace courtyard had been the kings' preferred meeting place over many generations of monarchs. It was richly adorned with a myriad of exotic plants and several small animals such as raccoons and monkeys. At the far edge of the courtyard, two gold fountains poured water into a large pool stocked with fish and small amphibians. The pool overflowed to form a small stream, which trickled through the spacious courtyard then went on to grace the rest of Atlanta's citadel. The courtyard's pools and walkways were covered with ornate tiles and its pavilions were built from rare, exotic hardwoods. The courtyard also played host for several statues fashioned from gold and orichalcum. It was a luxurious garden and did honor to the bold, flashy image of Atlanta.
Martimus rose to his feet when he noticed the king and a bodyguard approach from the palace gates. He thought it peculiar; that King Authemur had but one bodyguard. It had been a tradition in Atlas for the king to maintain two bodyguards at all times. Then to his surprise, Martimus realized that he knew the man at the king's side. Martimus watched as the king and his party drew closer.
There was no doubt about it, the bodyguard was Rhylus an elite warrior from Autowin. Martimus and Rhylus had often spent many drunken stupors together when Martimus journeyed to Autowin on official business. A bodyguard from Autowin was not per etiquette; only native warriors were allowed to serve as bodyguards. Martimus began to wonder what a warrior from Autowin was doing in Atlas armor and serving as the king's guard.
Martimus nodded to show respect as King Authemur and his guard walked past him without slowing down or hardly acknowledging his presence.
"I make no apologies for my delay," Authemur said in an arrogant tone. "Only four hours ago, Brutus, my bodyguard of five years, fell to an assassin's arrow." He plopped himself down in a massive chair and rubbed his brow.
Martimus nodded his head once again, "My regrets, Eminence."
"It has been a trying day," Authemur pointed to the sky, "and this cursed weather is no help either. State your business quickly I have much to do today."
"Certainly, Eminence. I bring distressing news from Gades. It would appear a large armada of Greek warships are enroute for Atlas."
King Authemur looked angry and confused. "Impossible! We have no quarrel with Greece!"
"We have not learned of their motives, only their intentions, Eminence."
"How did you come upon this information?" the king insisted.
"Our spies report the armada passed through the Pillars of Hercules only seven days past, Eminence. If unchecked they will arrive at your shores in twelve days."
"Exactly how many ships are in this armada?" King Authemur asked.
"Twenty-six score, Eminence."
The sound of those words brought back memories of the day the crystal cracked. It was indeed a dark day for Atlanta. Since the Great Marce passed on everything the crystal served had begun to decay. Even the weather would not cooperate with the king's wishes and the crops were beginning to fail.
The king recalled how the Great Marce foretold of these ships. He began to strum his fingers on the arm of the chair. Martimus took note of the gesture and decided that this was the best time to put forth their proposal.
"I have been sent forth with a proposal from King Crylos. We could intercept the Greek armada at sea before they reach Atlas, but we must act immediately."
"What do you want from us in return?"
"Only to keep Atlantis sovereign, Eminence."
"I still find your claim difficult to believe. We have no quarrel with Greece."
Martimus knew King Authemur had a tendency to be stubborn and obstinate about news he did not want to hear. Time was a critical factor for Gades and a declaration of war was needed as soon as possible. Martimus did not want the king to take several days debating the subject with advisors. To make the situation sound more imminent he thought up a lie:
"I believe there are also a number of Egyptian ships in the armada, Eminence."
Martimus could tell by the king's reaction that he struck a tender nerve.
"What is this proposition you speak of?"
"Our ambassador has been authorized to move for an emergency meeting of the Atlantis senate. If you are agreeable, Atlas could second the motion. When the senate convenes, Gades will bring forward a proposal to defend Atlas by intercepting the armada at sea. We have sufficient navel forces to crush them, and we have the opportunity to intercept them before they reach the continent. Of course, we would need a formal declaration of war against Greece."
"Of course," the king replied. "Why would Gades be willing to fight our battle? Does the lives of your warriors and soldiers mean so little?"
"Certainly not, Eminence!" Martimus sounded shocked, but his reaction was solely for the king's benefit. He was expecting a question of this nature sometime or another. He had already prepared a response:
"As you say, you have no quarrel with Greece. Since we lack an obvious motive, we can only assume they campaign for conquest. Our intelligence believes they have accurately analyzed the Greek battle strategy."
"Which is?"
"They intend to defeat Atlas first, because Atlas is the most prominent kingdom of Atlantis. Assuming a victory, they would venture from Atlas to other kingdoms of Atlantis. Gades is small and close by. Our intelligence believes Gades would be their next target. We want the opportunity to stop this ambitious conquest while their forces are contained at sea. I assure you, Eminence, we have our own interests at heart."
"Hmm..." King Authemur stared off into a fountain as he thought about the prospect. "Give me a moment to my thoughts."
"Certainly, Eminence."
Martimus turned his attention to Rhylus while the king wrestled with a decision. Rhylus seemed to be behaving rather strangely; as if he had never met Martimus.
"It's been a long time Rhylus," Martimus said in a friendly tone. "How long, two, two and a half years?"
A look of worry came over Rhylus, "I'm sorry sir, but you must have me confused with someone else. My name is Breneous."
Although he professed to be Breneous his voice was that of Rhylus. Martimus was certain of the man's identity.
"Breneous?"
"That's right, Breneous."
Martimus wrinkled his brow. "Certainly you're the Rhylus I shared wine and bread with." Martimus waited for a reply but Rhylus would only pretend to look confused. "At the Dead Horse Inn in Autowin."
"Ah," Rhylus replied, "Now I know you must be mistaken. I have never been to Autowin."
Martimus knew better but decided there would be no point in pushing the issue. As it was King Authemur had not yet taken notice of their conversation. Perhaps it was best to keep it that way.
The king cleared his throat to get Martimus' attention. "Very well, have your ambassador make a motion to convene senate and I will second it. When senate convenes I will use our persuasion in your behalf. We should manage to secure enough votes for your declaration of war but I have a condition."
Martimus looked confused, "A condition, Eminence?"
"Yes. Your declaration of war must also include Egypt as well as Greece."
Although it was difficult, Martimus concealed a smile. This was more than he or King Crylos could hope for. He briefly thought about throwing Arabia into the deal, but decided that that would be going a bit too far. Martimus tried to sound reluctantly agreeable.
"Well... If you insist, Eminence."
"I do." King Authemur got up from his chair. "Luck is with us, representatives from each kingdom happen to be in Atlanta and will be for several days. If you make your motion today we could convene as early as the morrow."
"Until then, Eminence." Martimus nodded.
The king would not favor him with a response, he simply looked up at the dingy, gray sky. "I fear this despicable weather is an omen of bad times to come."
"Yes, Eminence. I must take leave from you to consult our ambassador."
King Authemur gestured with a brush of the fingertips.
Martimus nodded to the king again, then addressed Rhylus. "Until next time, Rhylus."
"Breneous."
"Whatever."

Odius and Maia managed the first ten days of their journey without incident. Although they had seen several public notices for Odius' capture, they were neither recognized nor pursued by bounty hunters. The same held true for several groups of soldiers they happened to pass along the road to Atlanta. During that time they had not seen anything of Pan. It would seem luck was with them.
They rode along the edge of the road and tried to attract as little attention as possible. They often waved at groups of soldiers as they passed by, which was common among people of the time. This gave the impression that they had nothing to hide. Maia's presence also seemed to divert attention from Odius. According to public notice Odius traveled alone; a couple did not quite fit that description. Also, Maia's incredible beauty often drew the soldier's eyes off of Odius. He knew this ploy would not work when they reached Atlanta because there he would be widely recognized as the apprentice to the Great Marce.
The stallion maintained its slow but steady plod as, mile by mile, they drew closer to the city of Atlanta. The day had grown to late afternoon and, like Atlanta, the skies overhead were dingy and gray.
"Odius?"
"Yes?"
"What would a god seek to gain by betraying Olympus?"
Odius thought for a moment.
"I do not know. Gods do not think as mortals do and we could not imagine their motives."
"How do we know the mortal world would be better off with the traitor revealed? Suppose our mortal world could benefit from the traitor. Could we be harming our own world? How do we know?"
"I simply trust my master's foresight on these matters. I know him well and have vowed to serve him. He said to seek the traitorous god."
"I would like to meet your master. From the way you speak of him, he must truly be a magnificent man."
"Perhaps someday you can speak with him, but he seldom reaches out from the shard."
"Odius?"
"Yes?"
"Can we stop?"
Odius turned to look at her, "Are you weary?"
She replied with a sheepish smile, "No. I um have to..."
"Say no more!"
Odius guided the horse off the road and through the brush. They continued for several hundred yards until they could no longer be seen from the road. Odius stopped when he found a secluded place with ample bushes.
"Will this place do?"
"It's fine," Maia replied as she climbed off the horse.
Odius waited on the horse while Maia ran off to visit the nearby bushes. After three or four minutes passed Odius heard Maia shout, "Ok."
When Odius turned to look she had just finished lacing the edge of her loincloth skirt and was tying the knot at the bottom.
"Would you like to rest here for a while?" Odius asked.
She replied with a smile as she walked toward the horse, "No, Odius. I feel fine."
Her expression suddenly changed to reflect nervousness or uneasiness. "Odius?" her voice was pathetically shaken. She looked very faint. Odius could see that she was in distress.
"Maia!" Odius climbed off the horse in a hurry and started to run toward her. Before he managed to reach her side she had collapsed to the ground.
"Maia!?"
Odius gently rolled her on her back. He could see she was still breathing but her eyes were closed and she would not respond to his voice.
"MAIA!" He shook her abruptly and shouted, "MAIA!"
"She has not been harmed." Odius recognized the loud, booming voice that seemed to sweep across the wilderness. It was the voice of Poseidon.
Odius looked about and found the god floating not twenty yards behind him. He stood up as the god approached.
"She is not important, your quest was."
Poseidon's trivial reference to Maia and use of the past tense made Odius extremely nervous. He just about had his fill of divine intervention and wanted to revolt but quickly reminded himself of his position. Then it occurred to him that he had control over his own body and mind, unlike his other encounters with Poseidon. Poseidon's own skull was apparently protecting him from its rightful owner!
Poseidon drifted to within an arm's length of Odius before he continued.
"You have created trouble for me because of that mortal on the ground." Poseidon pointed to Maia.
"You should not have engaged Pan. Even now he waits just out of sight to take vengeance. Because of your impetuous actions, Pan has discovered that you hold my skull and further degrades my name in Olympus." Poseidon pointed an angry finger in Odius' face. "When I bestowed the skull I said DO NOT CROSS ME!"
"I have not crossed you great Poseidon, I only "
"SILENCE! Return my rightful property!"
Odius reached for the cloth bag and was about to take it off when he heard a subtle voice inside his head. It sounded like a high pitched whisper and it seemed to come from the Skull of Poseidon.
"Do not. He cannot take you must give. Do not."
Odius tried to think of a tactful way of refusing Poseidon, but when he opened his mouth he found himself saying, "No!"
"WHAT?"
Odius felt like melting. He did not mean to just blurt it out like that. He realized the skull had become quite an influence over him this was the first sign of possession. He was in big trouble, and not just from the skull. The last thing he wanted to do was make an enemy of Poseidon.
"Do you refuse your god?"
"No," Odius said in a far less arrogant voice.
Poseidon held out his hand to accept the skull, but Odius did not offer it.
"I do as you ask, great Poseidon, look here." Odius reached into his robe and produced the orders signed by King Xaveous. The parchment violently flew on its own accord from Odius' hand to Poseidon's. Poseidon looked at it briefly, then looked at Odius.
"This is of no consequence." Poseidon dropped the parchment to the ground. "Mortals have always lusted for power of the gods as you do now! Return my rightful property."
Again, Odius heard the voice in his head, "Do not."
Odius was confused. He felt like he was caught in the middle of a battle between Poseidon and his crystal skull. He knew he should surrender the skull, but for some reason he could not bring himself to do it. He just had to concentrate and think.
"Surely, great Poseidon, with all your wisdom you see what that parchment means."
"Return my property!" the god insisted.
"Xaveous does not want the crystal of the gods for himself! It is of no use to him!"
"Return my property or I will crush the mortal woman!"
Odius was frightened by Poseidon's threat. He was not sure what, if anything, he could do to defend Maia. He did not think like a god and could hardly match wits with one. In desperation he stepped backward and straddled Maia's unconscious body between his legs. He quickly reached into the bag and placed his hand on the crystal skull.
"Harm her and I'll summon Zeus!"
"You are a fool!"
"Fool enough to do it!"
Poseidon began to growl in a slow, deep tone.
Odius did not like the way the confrontation was progressing. Once again he had placed Maia's life in danger at the hands of the gods. Somebody had to give in and he knew Poseidon would not.
"I beg a truce, great Poseidon."
"Return my property and I will consider it."
"Alright but first you must hear my words!"
Poseidon did not appear to be pleased with Odius' demand. The god neither agreed nor disagreed with Odius' condition, he simply stood there looking angry. Odius started talking while the opportunity was at hand.
"I seek the traitor as you, great Poseidon. No mortal can master the great crystal atop Mount Atlas ONLY A GOD! A god seeks the crystal! I believe Xaveous knows the traitorous god! I could learn more of these events if I kept the skull."
Poseidon said nothing as he thought about Odius' words. After a very long pause, he spoke in a less formidable tone.
"Very well, you have won this contest, mortal."
"There will be no winners, great Poseidon, until the traitor is revealed." Odius shook his head, "I do not wish you as an enemy."
Once again Poseidon pointed at Odius. "Then do not create trouble among the gods."
"I will defend Maia!" Odius insisted. "If you want no trouble with Pan, then you keep him from her, lest I will!"
"You are a burden, mortal."
Poseidon encroached uncomfortably close to Odius. He brought his face to within inches of Odius', then spoke in a much more quiet voice.
"I can do nothing about Pan. I am soon to be an outcast from Olympus. If you want the help of a god, seek Athena. She has eyes for Pan. Her jealousy will deal with him should she learn he lusts for mortal women."
Poseidon began to back away slowly. "But you would not be wise to summon her yourself, Greece is at war with Atlantis."
"War?"
"Heed my words, mortal, do not cause any more trouble for me. You would not like my vengeance."
Poseidon said nothing more as he began to fade away into nothing. Odius watched and waited until he was absolutely sure that the god was gone. Satisfied that Poseidon had left, he bent over and quickly snatched the parchment lying on the ground. He stuffed the parchment in his robe then attended to Maia.
"Maia!" he shook her, "MAIA!!"
Maia began to stir.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Maia had a confused look on her face as she slowly sat up.
"What what happened?"
"Are you alright?"
"I I think so." She looked at Odius. "Odius, your shaking! What's wrong?"
"Come," he helped her to her feet, "I'll speak of it on the road to Atlanta. We must leave quickly!"

The Atlantis senate convened on the following day. They started deliberations some time around mid-morning. By noon most had grown weary of the proceedings and were ready to force the issue to conclusion. Opponents and proponents of war had been lobbying in the circular chamber of the senate all morning.
Although only ten members would be voting, one hundred twenty representatives were present for the debate. Those ten allowed to vote were not permitted to deliberate. Their duty was to listen to arguments and vote accordingly.
The seats of the senate were arranged in a three-quarter circle around a central platform. The seats were typically four rows deep although a short fifth row was located just opposite the gap in the circle. An arbitrator and two other officials sat behind a bench at the gap.
Domenesis, a speaker from the kingdom of Eavemon, spoke from the central platform. Domenesis was trying his best to convince the senate that Greece and Egypt should be stopped at sea before they could represent a threat to Atlantis. Actually, his concern was the kingdom of Eavemon, who's military was not as large as that of most kingdoms.
"We must make an example of any force wishing conquest against our great continent of Atlantis." Domenesis was skilled in his trade and had an authoritative voice that echoed through the senate chambers. "The whole of the world is envious of our wealth and prosperity. If we stop these invaders at sea, then others with visions of conquest will consider consequences more carefully before attempting such a ridiculous and ambitious venture."
"Time...," the arbitrator shouted, "Final phrases."
Domenesis looked somewhat disappointed, he enjoyed his brief authority and influence over the senate. Reluctantly, he made his closing statement. "We must approve Gades' declaration of war against Greece and Egypt to ensure sovereignty of this great continent, Atlantis."
The senate applauded as Domenesis returned to his seat somewhere near the outer edge of the circle.
Although Egypt had nothing to do with the Greek forces at sea they were included in the motion to wage war. A rumor of Egyptian ships in the armada was a lie created by Martimus to sway King Authemur into supporting the motion. Of all the deliberations that took place that morning, no one had challenged the accuracy of information presented by Gades.
The arbitrator shouted in somewhat of a drawn- out cadence, "All arguments are in!" His gavel fell. "Do any object to the vote?"
He paused for a moment to listen for objections. The senate was quiet and all seemed anxious to finish the proceedings. In order to secure a declaration of war, Gades would need more than fifty percent of the votes. Since only one vote was allowed per kingdom, six would be needed to pass the motion.
"Voting shall commence," the arbitrator's words were punctuated with the fall of a gavel.
The arbitrator shouted the name of each kingdom. In turn, each voter exalted a response from the senate floor.
"Atlas!"
"Aye!"
"Ampherus!"
"Nay!"
"Gades!"
"Aye!"
"Evaemon!"
"Aye!"
"Autowin!"
"Nay!"
"Mestor!"
"Nay!"
"Mneseus!"
"Aye!"
"Elas!"
"Aye!"
"Diaphres!"
"Nay!"
"Azies!"
"Abstain!"
Murmurs and groans rumbled across the senate floor. An abstention was seldom heard in the Atlantis senate. According to law, the vote must be retaken until all votes lay on one side of the issue or the other. Nobody really wanted to sit through several more hours of deliberation.
"Order!" the arbitrator shouted as he slammed his gavel on the bench. "Order!"
The senate floor slowly began to quiet down.
Off in an obscure corner of the senate, Martimus whispered something to the ambassador from Gades. The ambassador nodded several times, then whispered something back to Martimus. A moment later, the ambassador stood up and shouted, "Motion!"
"The senate recognizes a motion from Gades," the arbitrator replied.
"Gades moves for a recess of two sands."
"Any opposed?" The arbitrator waited for an objection but none was given. "So ordered; two sands!"
The arbitrator turned over a hourglass.
The senate again broke out in a rumbling of quite discussions. Meanwhile, Martimus got up and walked around the seats of the senate to a man named Nexus. Nexus was a representative from Azies; he was also the voter who had abstained. Martimus approached his seat and bent close so no one else was likely to hear.
"Why do you abstain, Nexus?"
"I'm unsure."
"Do you want invaders to overrun Azies?"
"No, but I see no profit in war."
Martimus rubbed his chin for a moment as he thought of a tactful way to reply. "How profitable would war have to be before you could vote affirmative?"
Nexus shrugged his shoulders, "Make me an offer."
"Ah...," Martimus looked around to make sure no one was listening. "Ten pounds of Gold?"
"Twenty."
"So be it!" Martimus returned to his seat, then consulted with the ambassador from Gades. They patiently waited for recess to run out. After several minutes, the arbitrator's gavel fell again.
"Senate is in session!" The arbitrator waited for the senate floor to settle down before he continued.
"Do any motion for further deliberation?"
The senate floor was quite.
"Do any object to the vote?"
Again the senate floor was quite.
"Voting shall commence," the arbitrator's gavel fell once again.
"Atlas!"
"Aye!"
"Ampherus!"
"Nay!"
"Gades!"
"Aye!"
"Evaemon!"
"Aye!"
"Autowin!"
"Nay!"
"Mestor!"
"Nay!"
"Mneseus!"
"Aye!"
"Elas!"
"Aye!"
"Diaphres!"
"Nay!"
"Azies!"
"Abstain!"
Once again the senate floor broke out in grumbling. The arbitrator's gavel pounded repeatedly for order. The ambassador from Gades discretely leaned toward Martimus then spoke in a whisper.
"I thought you had this fixed?"
"So did I," Martimus replied. "Can you motion for another recess?"
The ambassador shook his head, "Such a move would draw suspicion."
"Hmm..."
It had taken some time for the senate floor to quiet down. Shortly after silence fell on the senate chamber, a representative from Mneseus stood up.
"Motion!"
"The senate recognizes a motion from Mneseus."
"Because further deliberations are likely, Mneseus moves for a recess of twelve sands to accommodate dining and rest before proceedings continue."
"Any opposed?" the arbitrator shouted.
The floor was silent.
"So ordered; twelve sands!"
Martimus seized the opportunity to confront Nexus. He got up from his seat and hurried toward Nexus before he left for lunch. He found Nexus sitting at his seat as if he were waiting for someone.
"What goes on here?" Martimus' voice was firm yet kept to a whisper. "We had a barter!"
Nexus sat with a smug grin, "I'm sorry Martimus, but war is no longer profitable."
"Who topped my offer?"
Nexus looked shocked, "I can't tell you that it would not be ethical."
"And selling your vote is?"
"Please," Nexus looked around to make sure no one was listening.
Martimus grabbed Nexus by the collar, "Look you slug, tell me who made the offer and how much."
"Alright, alright! No need to draw attention."
Martimus released him and impatiently waited for him to straighten his collar. Nexus seemed to be stalling as he looked around the senate chamber.
"Well," Martimus insisted.
Nexus pointed to two representatives who were talking some distance away. One was from Mestor, the other from Autowin.
"Those gentlemen." He returned his attention to Martimus. "They each doubled your offer. I believe that brings the tally up to eighty pounds of gold. Can your king do better?"
"That and more," Martimus was disgusted and it clearly shown in his voice. "One hundred twenty pounds and not an ounce more! I swear, if you fish for a higher bid you'll be looking at an assassin's spear."
"Your threats mean nothing to me!"
"Vote against the motion and that threat will stick."
"Make good your threat and the senate will learn of your actions in my will."
Martimus left in a hurry to intercept the representatives from Mestor and Autowin. He had seen this kind of corruption before and knew how it worked. Nexus could and would keep upping the bid until one party or the other gave in. The only way to keep the price from escalating was to buy the other bidders. All Martimus wanted was a simple declaration of war. He was quite angry with the whole affair by the time he reached the two men who were bidding against him. They were just getting ready to walk off as Martimus approached.
"Ah... Gentlemen."
Martimus could see that he took the men by surprise.
"Martimus is it?" the man from Mestor said, "From, ah Gades?"
"Yes," Martimus replied.
"If you wish to discuss the motion, please wait for deliberations. We grow weary of the subject."
"I did not have deliberation in mind."
"If not deliberation, then..."
"Business," replied Martimus.
The representative from Autowin looked confused, "Business?"
"Yes, Business. Nexus tells me each of you doubled my offer for his vote. I am prepared to match that with a sum to be applied to your personal purse."
"We didn't, oohf " The man from Autowin was silenced with an elbow in the ribs. His companion was quick to speak.
"You would have to do better than that. I think for twice that figure we would forget anything about a bribe."
The representative from Autowin added with a smile, "For that sum we would certainly not break the law by making an offer to Nexus." He laughed out loud.
Martimus realized that he had been had. Apparently these men knew nothing about the deal; it was a ploy by Nexus to up the bidding. He also realized he would have to appease them or face strict consequences. The best he could do at this point was lie about the figures.
"Very well," Martimus replied, "ten pounds of gold each."
The representative from Mestor disagreed, "I know Nexus, he would not settle for such a trivial price. You better make it, say, forty pounds each?"
Martimus had little recourse, "So be it."
Martimus looked for Nexus on his way back to the ambassador, but Nexus had already left. He would certainly catch up with him later. When Martimus returned to his seat, the ambassador leaned over toward him and whispered.
"Well, did you finally sway this matter?"
"Yes, but it will cost the king two hundred pounds of gold."
"He'll pay," the ambassador replied. "You could have looked around for a better bargain, you know. I'm sure you could have swayed a nay vote for a lot less."
Martimus let out a sigh of disgust, "It started at twenty pounds."
"Then, how did the price escalate so?"
Martimus simply replied, "Nexus!"

The Atlantis senate reconvened some time later. After three hours of deliberation another vote was taken. The outcome was the same except for the abstention. Nexus was satisfied with his hundred twenty pounds of gold and finally voted for the declaration of war. Martimus returned to Gades with the declaration of war and a very expensive debt for King Crylos.

The weather over Atlantis did not improve as the days passed by. Odius and Maia rode across the last lofty hill at the edge of the flat, fertile plain surrounding Atlanta. They had an excellent view of the vast basin with its patchwork patterns of irrigation canals and crops.
"I've never seen land so flat!" Maia squirmed and stretched to get a better view around Odius. "Why does the distant land look so strange?"
"That is the sea! We shall near it come nightfall."
"I've always wanted to see the sea. I've heard villagers speak of it. They say the sea has fish bigger than a horse."
Odius nodded. "Atlanta is at the place where the land and sea meet. Enjoy the view while it is our's to see. Soon we'll be on the plains and the sight will fade."
Maia turned to look behind them for a moment, then returned her attention to the scenery in front. She sat on the back of the horse with a huge smile. She enjoyed the adventure Odius seemed to bring.
"Odius?"
"Yes?"
"What is Atlanta like?"
"Well," Odius thought for a moment, "It is a great city behind a wall of stone. It is filled with buildings, and gold, and canals "
"It must have been difficult to build."
"The scrolls say it was built by Poseidon's own hand. Poseidon might have used this very skull to shape it!"
"Ooh!"
Again, Maia turned to look behind them.
"Is something wrong, Maia?"
She faced front then whispered in Odius' ear. "I think someone is hunting us."
"Hmm... We'll have no cover when we reach the plains."
Odius and Maia said little during their twenty minute descent to the plain. Maia looked to the rear from time to time in search of any pursuers. She was certain someone or something was stalking them.
They reached the plain and had traveled only several hundred yards across open country when Maia caught sight of a horse and rider emerging from brush on the slope.
"Odius!" she tapped him on the shoulder.
Odius looked to the rear and saw a rider charging for them at a full gallop. It was a warrior from the kingdom of Atlas.
"What should we do?" Maia asked.
"Nothing at present. Perhaps he is in a hurry to reach the city. If we bolt now he'll become suspicious."
They continued on their way as if nothing was wrong. Odius looked at the ground in front of their horse, as if he had no interest in the passerby. He could hear the pounding hoofbeats closing in behind them. He thought they were safe for a brief moment as the rider passed them by, but the horse and rider stopped abruptly and wheeled around in front of them to block their path.
Odius stopped, then looked up at the warrior. He was a formidable sight with both warrior and horse in full battle gear. Odius recognized the warrior's armor. He was apparently an elite member of the Atlas military. The warrior wore a proud, confident grin as he looked directly at Odius. A sick feeling hit Odius as he recognized the man behind the proud grin; it was Spartos, a high-ranking commander who answers directly to the king.
"At last, I find the apprentice!" he said in a deep, burly voice.
Spartos drew his sword, "I arrest you in the name of King Authemur. Surrender your weapons, Odius then dismount." He pointed his sword at Maia. "You do the same."
Maia did nothing of the sort. She had no idea what would transpire, but she knew Odius would not let the warrior's demands go unchecked. She tightened her grip around Odius' waist.
The earth began to rumble and both horses reared high into the air. Maia was frightened but at the same time anxious to see what Odius would do. The road beneath Spartos began to crack and separate. Suddenly, the road under the warrior's horse sank quickly to form a pit some twenty feet deep. The ground fell so rapidly that Spartos and his horse were toppled.
Odius and Maia looked on from the edge of the pit as the tremors began to subside.
"Fear not, Spartos. Someone should happen by sooner or later."
Spartos clambered to his feet, then shook a fist as he looked up from the bottom of the pit.
"I'll hunt you down for the length of my days, apprentice!"
"I could have killed you as easy, warrior. Remember that next time you come looking."
Odius and Maia casually rode around the pit, then continued down the road to Atlanta. As they rode off, they heard shouting and profanity pouring from the pit. It was hundreds of yards before the warrior's threats and curses faded into the distance.

Spartos stewed at the bottom of that pit for most of the day. His horse broke a leg during the fall and had to be slain. His horse had seen many battles beneath him and was his closest ally. He was sure he would never find another as suitable. Spartos felt more grief over killing his horse than he felt for the countless men he had slain in battle.
As the hours passed, his vendetta against Odius grew. He not only lost a horse, but was likely to lose his position as well. He had cursed Odius' name ever since the king ordered him to join the search. He had spent years working his way to the top, now one lousy apprentice would render those efforts pointless.
Those thoughts went through his head as he sat in a corner of the pit and idly fiddled with his sword. He happened to be looking at the ground when he noticed a strange sight; a pair of cloven hoofs walked up in front of him.
Spartos looked up and immediately recognized the figure before him. It was Pan! He had seen statues of the god in the citadel of Atlanta. The husky warrior was frightened by the sight of the god and not the least bit prepared for the encounter. Spartos' fear rose when he realized he could not move. Pan seemed to take control of him as soon he made contact with the god's black, lifeless eyes.
"Stand," the god insisted.
Spartos made no effort to stand, yet he found himself rising to his feet none-the-less.
"Great Pan," his voice was shaken. Spartos could hardly believe that he was actually being graced by the presence of a god. "What have I done to deserve such an honor?"
"Nothing," the god replied, "You are simply the enemy of my enemy."
"What can I do to serve "
"SILENCE! I shall speak, you shall listen."
Pan started to pace about the pit with his hands behind his back. Spartos still could not move, he was overwhelmed by the god's presence.
"If you want the wizard, then separate him from the pouch he carries over his shoulder. It is the secret of his power. Once separated from his powers he will be nothing more than a mortal man. Only then can you deliver him to your king."
Pan stopped pacing and turned toward Spartos. "Mind you, separate him from that pouch before he learns its true power or none shall defeat him. Do you understand?"
"Yes, great Pan."
"Should you succeed, bring me the pouch and the girl who travels with him. Do what you want with the wizard just don't kill him. I'll tend to him in due time. Do you understand?"
"Yes, great Pan."
"Good. I will not be far, so mind yourself. I have no power over him, but I could make your life difficult."
"I'll do as you say, great Pan."
Pan began to slowly fade away.
Spartos watched until the god had completely disappeared. Shortly after the god was gone, Spartos began to wonder about the encounter. He thought that perhaps he had imagined the whole thing. Perhaps it was all a hallucination from the fall.
Spartos had just about convinced himself that the encounter with the god was not real when the ground began to tremble under his feet for the second time that day. He was thrown off balance and fell to the ground as the bottom of the pit began to quake and push upward. He watched in awe as the floor of the pit rose upward to meet the surrounding plain.
When the tremor stopped Spartos found himself lying on the road next to his dead horse.
"By the gods!"
Spartos realized that his encounter with Pan was real. He quickly gathered what belongings he could carry, then started down the road to Atlanta. He had plenty of time to think during the long walk. Most of his thoughts were contempt for Odius.
Pan had left Spartos with an uneasy feeling. He remembered the god said he would not be far. Those words caused Spartos to look over his shoulder quite frequently. Surely this episode would become a burden. He blamed Odius for his problems and vowed to get even. He was determined to triumph over the apprentice or die trying.